Embellished

Embellished
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Thank you for embellishing my life. A thank you note to a friend. The inspiration is a grey T-shirt that has been embellished with crocheted flowers, ribbons and lace.

pear & persimmon

pear & persimmon
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

One more look at persimmons through the pear's eyes this time. This ripened Hachiya persimmon was ready to be eaten so I cut it in half and scooped some out. I have eaten many of the Fuyu variety but this is the first Hachiya for me. Delicious!

Persimmons

persimmons
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Do you see why I love this fruit? They are gorgeous! The small flat cube shaped ones are the Fuyu variety. Eat them like an apple (peel or not). The larger "acorn" shape are Hachiya and must be really soft in order for the bitterness to be gone. Both are available in our local Farmers' Market. I hope you can find them.  Next stop: figs.

Salad of persimmons, pears and pomegranates with grape vinaigrette

Salad of persimmons, pears and pomegranates with grape vinaigrette
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

from Alice Waters' "Fruit"
As you know by now I am on a persimmon frenzy. The ingredients are simple: Fuyu persimmons, pomegranate seeds, ripe pears, grapes (if you can find wine grapes, even better) frisee & radicchio The dressing is not so simple but really tasty: 1Tbs sherry wine vinegar & 1/2 cup grapes mashed together; season with salt and let stand 5 minutes. Then add pepper and 1/4 cup olive oil; blend all together and add to the mix of fruits and lettuces. Enjoy!

Pear-nelope Cruz

Penelope Pear
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Today was the first of a series of 6 classes on Art Quilts, taught by mixed media artist, Jane LaFazi0: janeville.blogspot.com/  Jane teaches through many media including online classes and an upcoming art adventure in Italy! Visit her blog. Today we were to find a picture of a simple image and then using a light box transfer it to high count white muslin. I chose a magazine photo but in placing the page on the light box there were lips in the middle of the pear. The image from the back of the page made it difficult to see the pear. I decided that the lips had to stay along with Penelope Cruz' eyes. Well a blue version.

Garden light

Garden light
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

When I moved to my home 7 years ago I decided to design my backyard space ( 8 ft by 40 ft ) as a Zen garden. Brad gave me these garden lights to illuminate the garden elements. This one is nestled in an area where mint is growing.

Chez Panisse "Fruit"

persimmon, pomegranate & walnut salad
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Persimmon, pomegranate, walnut & frisee salad:

I received a lovely gift in the mail from my friend, Marjorie, today: Chez Panisse "Fruit" by Alice Waters. I have recently been seduced by persimmons and have been searching for ways to use them. Just peeling and slicing the Fuji variety is perfect but this beautiful cookbook has a whole chapter on persimmons. Heaven! This salad combines the 3 main ingredients with a sherry wine vinaigrette and is served over frisee (curly endive) Besides being colorful it is very fresh and crunchy. Try it! If anyone cares these are my three favorite colors all on one plate (well really, hot pink, but close)

Life's a Beach, Morro Beach, Laguna

Morro Beach
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Another day in paradise!
A couple of years ago the people who lived here lost their lease. There were about 50 mobile homes squatted here with absolutely paradise type conditions. This is what it looks like today. They are still clearing away the concrete slab foundation. Yes, it is more pristine but it has lost its beachcomer charm.  Today was another 90+ degree day!!!

A time to prune

A time to prune
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

It's pruning time in the garden, eventhough it is 88 degrees out as I sketched this, it is fall in the garden and the roses needed to be pruned. An ant joined me so he sits on the red handle of my pruners. Kate will like that.

Roasted orange beet salad

beet salad
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

with maple toasted walnuts and goat cheese on a bed of baby lettuces dressed with Balsalmic vinegar and good olive oil

maple toasted walnuts: Dry toast nuts in a small frying pan. Add maple syrup. I used about 1 teaspoon for 1/4 cup nuts. Stir until all nuts are coated and then turn off the heat.

Try this fresh and hearty salad. Try the orange beets

Steamed Persimmon Pudding

Steamed Persimmon Pudding
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Here is the end result (without the hard sauce which I made with cognac instead of brandy). It is so rich in flavors. Have it with a cappuccino!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/persimmon-pudding-with-hard-sauce-recipe/index.html

persimmon, walnut & raisin pudding

persimmon, walnut & raisin pudding
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

The fruits of the season and my friend Marjorie, inspired me to try a steamed pudding of persimmons, walnuts and raisins. There will be additions of cinnamon, butter and other ingredients. Wish me well!

The Inside Story

The Inside Story
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

There is usually a lovely surprise inside fruit. Here it is:

Does anyone see the ladybug in the blossom end of the pomegranate?  I did not know she was there until I was midway through my painting.

Balboa Island from Corona del Mar bluffs

Balboa Island from Corona del Mar bluffs
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

This photo was taken at the north end of Pacific in CdM, my old hood, It was a beautiful fall day with enough wind to entice the sailers to set sail. 80 degrees on October 18th at the beach. This must be heaven

BOO!!!

Halloween Quilt
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

I made this quilt 2 years ago using a pattern by Karen Dumont. It is fun and in the spirit of the holiday.
Karen designs great quilts. Check out her patterns @
store.starwoodpatterncompany.com/cgi/display.cgi?item_num...

pomegranate & leaf

pomegranate & leaf
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Who said we don't have fall color in California? The Santa Ana winds blew hard this week stripping many of our liquidambar trees of their leaves. Sophie & I picked this one up this morning on our walk. The pomegranate came from a patient's tree. It weighs well over a pound and wears a perfect royal crown.

persimmons & walnuts

persimmons & walnuts
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

When I was growing up my grandmother had a black walnut tree. We were paid 10 cents to pick them. I found these along with the persimmons at the Farmers' Market for $1 a pound....quite a bargain...there are lots of walnuts in one pound. I found a nutcracker, placed them on a Tuscan yellow hem-stitched napkin and started to sample them. Sophie helped in the cracking. Good doggie, Sophie!

In the back yard

In the back yard
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Here is my sketch view of the photo below.....not very Japanese but it is out of context.

In the Japanese Garden

In the Japanese Garden
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

We are down to the bones of the garden. All but the chard has been harvested in my tiny backyard garden. It's time to weed and wait for the bulbs and camelias.

Eggplant Parmesean

Eggplant Parmesean
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

One of my most reliable recipes. I hope you try it:
1 large or 2 small eggplants, slices in 3/4" pieces
1 egg, fork beaten
1 cup Panko crumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup olive oil
Fresh Mozzarella cheese, 2 balls, sliced 1/4 inch
2 cups tomato based pasta sauce, I use Rao's Arrabbiata or fresh roasted tomato sauce (previously posted)
1/2 cup Parmesean cheese, grated

Dip the eggplant pieces in the egg and then the breadcrumbs and add the pieces to a flat pan with olive oil. Fry until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towel.
In a baking dish large enough to hold all eggplant pieces, first coat the bottom with about 1 cup tomato sauce.
Layer the eggplant, cheese, sauce and grated Parmesean.
Place in 375 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until Mozzarella is melted and golden

leek and mushroom and bean soup

leek and mushroom soup
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

The Farmers' market had beautiful baby leeks and I wanted to pair them with beans for a hearty soup on the first cool day we have had this season:
1/4 cup olive oil
6-7 baby leeks
2 stalks celery
2-3 cups sliced mushrooms, any variety
2 cups cook beans, I used cranberry beans, a very hearty bean
1 quart chicken stock....very key. Use a good one..better yet make your own
green vegetable, I had some fresh green beans, but bok choy would be terrific
grey salt with 5 pepper blend for seasoning

Saute leeks and celery in olive oil
Add mushrooms and saute 2 minutes longer
Add stock and bring to a simmer
Add cook beans and greens and cook until greens are tender
Season
Enjoy!

pumpkins and green eyed susans

pumpkins and green eyed susans
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

I tried a technique of sketching, watercolor and collage with a little "spatter". This piece is 11" x14" and didn't fit on the scanner so I will try to photograph it for a better framing

Bartlett Pear 94024, Poached Pears

Bartlett Pear 94024
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

This is a beautiful pear that I bought 6 days ago at Whole Foods Market. It has ripened to a beautiful greeny yellow. I know it is a Bartlett because of its PLU. Does anyone know what PLU is short for? I figure the P is produce. 

POACHED PEARS:

1/2 vanilla bean, split & scraped

1 bottle champagne or dry white wine

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 cup sugar

1 cinnamon stick

1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

zest of a lemon

firm but ripe Bartlett pears, peeled

1. In large saucepan over medium heat, combine vanilla bean & scraping with rest of ingredients except pears.  Bring to boil.

2. Add pears, lower heat, and cover with a pot lid slightly smaller than pan to keep pears submerged.  Cook until tender, 20 -30 minutes.  If necessary, turn pears gently so they cook evenly.

3. Transfer pears & liquid to a bowl, and refrigerated, covered, for at least 6 hours, preferable overnight.

Enjoy!

originally from Martha Stewart's Holidays

Inside the Bartlett

Inside the Bartlett
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

This was a perfect pear

and bag

and bag
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Sometimes you have to draw what's right in front of you. My grandaughter, Kate, (18 months) identifies my purse with me. She catches sight of it when I am at her house and I always put it in the same spot. She knows exactly what the contents are and delights in finding each familiar item as she says my name, "Nana". Life is good !!!!!

Paper Bead Earrings

paper bead earrings
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

My first pair of earrings. These earrings are so light weight you can barely feel them. I had a lot of fun with these. After looking for a pretty pair of pink earrings with no luck I decided to make them myself. They are a little Mardi Gras looking but they suit me just fine. What do you think? What color would you like?

Paper beads, yellow, pink, black/white

Paper beads, yellow, pink, black/white
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

I have spent about 15 minutes each on these little beads. Now the fun..making them into jewelry. Wish me luck

Jury Duty

Jury Duty
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Today I had Jury Duty. I took my sketchbook along hoping to be inspired by something at the courthouse or in the gardens ......but....nothing. I had to turn to my shoes and necklace. I am grateful that I wore both of them. I did get a lot of reading in.

Madeleines

Madeleines
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Ella has discovered the good taste of Madeleines so today she came over to my house and we baked. The chocolate ones taste just like a hot chocolate cake (from Rose's Christmas cookies) and the white one is lemon/ almond (from Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook. We made one kind for the chocolate lovers and one kind for the lemon lovers. Both were delicious. Ella is a great helper in the kitchen. She is very good at licking the beater.

Ella and the cake batter

Ella and the cake batter
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Pumpkin Cupcake

Pumpkin Cupcake
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

I was at the Whole Foods Market yesterday and wandered by the bakery for inspiration on my cupcake cards. Look at this cupcake......with a pumpkin on the top! Since I couldn't exactly sketch and watercolor in the market I was forced to buy it and bring it home...chocolate with mocha icing and a pumpkin patch of more icing. Is there someone who can help me eat this?

Pumpkin Trio

pumpkin trio
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Three pumpkins sitting on the porch. I love this time of year because there is such a variety of pumpkins and gourds available....all with different shapes and colors. The little one (sugar) will end up in a pie or something yummy

Winged Gourds

winged gourds
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

I found these gourds while searching for pumpkins. They are really twisty and turny

Cinderella pumpkin

Cinderella pumpkin
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

It's that time of year again. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors but this one is my favorite. It will make a lovely coach, don't you think?